To paraphrase Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet...
Two diners, both alike in dignity..
In fair suburbia where we lay our scene
A feeding frenzy makes its mark inbetween..
OK, I know, if Shakespeare wasn't dead, the previous three lines would kill him.
But take, for a moment, a look at this week's Countryside.
Page 5 (which used to be called page 1 or 3 -- but the folks at PP have a strange way of counting) features an intense gesture by Andrew Stein who, upon turning 50, not only sent in his $12 to AARP, but decided that rather than bask in the glory of his birthday with gifts and tacky parties, opted to turn the tables and donate food to the area food pantries.
Let's make a note here -- Stein discussed his program at the Sept. 22 Village Board meeting, but for whatever reason, the editorial czars at Pioneer decided to hold the story for nearly a month. Even with the delay, it's an impressive gesture by Stein who, along with Cub Scout troop 36, is making it a collective efforts with, reports the Countryside, area businesses and schools.
Self promotion? Not really. At least he appears to be keeping things in perspective. As noted in a previous blog, the village's unemployment rate is 8.3 percent. Some people are putting their money, or time, where their mouths are.
Kudos to Stein on turning 50 and making his celebration a meaningful one. Oh, a note to Andrew -- now that you're 50, a routine physical is often predicated with the phrase "well, now that you're 50..." Fifty is when the warranty expires.
So we have Stein surrounded by food to help the needy. Turn the pages and we see our ira Leavitt continue Pioneer's shameless series "Mega Bites" -- Eatin' Big in the 'Burbs. So why Stein is working to feed the needy, Pioneer and, I guess Leavitt, are getting ready for Halloween by continuing to dress up as Marie Antoinette by basically telling the less fortunate, "let them eat cake."
Eating big in the burbs, another way to placate advertisers or potential advertisers, in my mind sends a message that life in the burbs is good and we can stuff ourselves and be oblivious to those who may not be as fortunate us.
What if Pioneer, or even Mr. Leavitt, were to spearhead a drive with these restaurants that brag about excessive food to provide some Mega charity for the food pantries? Perhaps, instead of sending the less fortunate to soup kitchens, they opened their doors say, once a week -- or even once a month -- and let them eat big for once?
And don't tell me that Buco is a small local place -- they have money to be a national chain (yes, they're all over) they have money to be a good citizen.
To paraphrase an old Operation Push slogan, "the rich get fatter and the poor get nothing."
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Speaking of shameless...Nice to see Susan Dubin profile local singer Amy Yassinger -- but that should be in the entertainment section. If she's that good, why limit her to a local column that's shrouded in self-promotion. Really, 27-inches of quotes and laudatory comments doesn't hold my interest.
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On the flip side, kudos to Pioneer Sports scribe Dino Marco for his pregame coverage of the BG-Rolling Meadows game. While Pioneer fails to see that the MSL does exist south of Lake-Cook Road, Marco's look at the Bison-Mustang game was right on. Zev Katz, John Angotti (any relation to Lou?), Mike Garrity, and Mike Cornely are an impressive bunch.
Marco predicted a 21-20 BG win, which, while not accurate (Meadows won 26-19) reflected a the insight that it would be a close game. Although I've never met him, BG coach Jim Farrell seems to be a good interview. He presents an honest assessment of his team and speaks will of opposing players as he did about Mustang quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. If you follow college football, keep that name in your memory bank.
Next up -- Elk Grove. The Grens are 5-3, and fundamentally sound, but I think BG's offense and special teams, not to mention the defensive line, should give them the edge. I'd make the Bison a 4 1/2 point favorite.
More later...
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